CRICKET: Owmby just three runs short in thrilling match with Louth 2nds

Owmby Cricket Club made the journey to play Louth 2nds at their London Road Ground and lost out in an exciting contest by just three runs.

The host club won the toss and opted to bat in the Division 1 clash. Their total of 200 for 8 from 45 overs saw scores of 48 from Wright and 45 from Duell.

Cieran Deegon was again the pick of the Owmby bowlers, continuing his good early season form taking 4 for 33. He was well supported by Daniel Clark with 2 for 22 and James Cooper with 2 for 38.

With the sun shining and a fairly quick outfield for an early season match, Owmby fancied their chances and Rakesh Chander Nair gave them a good start with 42.

Man of the Match Deegan hit 57 and mainly through their efforts the home target looked like being reached. However with Phil Burell bowling impressively for Louth, Owmby fell just three runs short on 197 for 9.

After promotion last season, Hibaldstow are finding life much harder in Division 2 and they were involved in a tied home game with Grimsby Town 2nd at the weekend.

Grimsby’s score of 165 for 8 included 60 by Maddock. Hibaldstow bowlers Nick Shepherdson, with 3 for 17, and Gary Dixon, with 3 for 46, did well to contain the visitors to that score.

Thomas Taylor was the star in the home batting line up with an impressive 77 supported by Lee Robinson with 20. The former Market Rasen seamer Richard Evans claimed two wickets in the visitors’ attack and wickets tumbled and excitement mounted late on as Hibaldstow got close, but in the end they only got to 165 for 9 for the tied match.

Keelby were at home to Cherry Willingham 2nd and, batting first, hit 183. Bevis with 69 and Parker with 58 were the top scorers. Cherry were always looking a little short and they closed on 163 for 8,which meant Keelby won by 20 runs.

South Kelsey lost at their Holton le Moor ground to visitors Barton Town 2nd. Barton enjoyed the excellent batting conditions and posted 213 for 9 from their 45 overs.

Tom Palin top scored with 61 while Kelsey bowler Matt Burgess (4 for 31) was the pick of the attack. Matt Thompson and John Baty with two wickets apiece were the back up.

Neil Thompson was the only South Kelsey batsman to post a score early in the order with 26, but there was then a dramatic Kelsey collapse as Matt Burgess,Andy Walton,Anthony George,and Andrew Stockdale all went cheaply. Rob Denniss provided some late order defiance with an undefeated 48, but South Kelsey closed on 130 for 8 after the 45 over allocation.

Keelby 2nd in Division 4 had an impressive 161 run win over Scunthorpe Town 2nds. Keelby hit an impressive 267 all out with Andy Bagnall hitting 114,well supported by James Gorbutt with 43. Scunthorpe in reply were all out for 106.